Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

This is exactly the advice/suggestions i was looking for. Heres another new gadget i didn't know existed until you mentioned it. I like the idea of the 350/290 crate plus TBI. Looked it up and seems a good combo if not too many extra parts are required. Do these give better performance/mileage than a 4 barrel carb? In a no smog required area BTW. I see kits include a new distributor (which i would need anyway). Wondering if the edelbrock intake that comes with the crate is compatible? Also wondering if anyone/anything now exists to make the 700r4 kickdown and go into overdrive rather than the old dash switch it has now.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Anyone know about the stuff in previous post. Need to make some serious decisions pretty soon.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Vin,, you get get more specific answers if you posted your engine questions in the engine section on here..lots of knowledge on this site. I think this is what mikes referring to but those aren't cheap..its basically a carb replacement..but the beauty of it is its fuel injection.http://www.jegs.com/i/FITech+Fuel+In...KT-RoCQe3w_wcB

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Well the engine has arrived at the shop ok but they tell me BOTH the existing 84 GMC auto/tilt steering column AND the replacement are too loose. Was thinking of rebuilding it myself but hands and eyesight is shot, Was thinking of a shop rebuild but no one does it for 2-300 miles around brookings, or. Now thinking of an after market one like a street rod. Don't need the key on column as the starter button is on the dash as well as the ignition key in their factory positions. Any recommendations?.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

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if i can do it anybody can
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this is the hardest part
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https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/EO...w1434-h1075-no
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https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N...w1434-h1075-no
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and the money shot 9 time out of ten the bearing fall out make it loose
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https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/es...=w807-h1075-no
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you can do this it's just not that hard to get a part
Here's a link hope this is ok with the mods here.....Sp
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http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...d.php?t=263218
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Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

The build continues. I wish i could still do all my own work but health forces me to have heavy stuff done. I still get to make choices (and mistakes) but here it is so far:

The fire wall was too shiny but ok. Main color will be matt Air Force blue. Interior will retain most of the original partw with the exception of a new tilt steering wheel.

Its a old school 350/300HP with and Edelbrock carb and dress up kit.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

more pics:

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

great progress! probably runs a little better now:metal:

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Thanks. Actually happy its a "resto-modification" and can use all new up to date running gear. After decades of dealing with obsolete tech a purist restoration would not provide the reliability i need nowadays. I had all new fuel system put in (Tank, sender, lines and pump). The original system would frequently clog with rust. All the rubber, and interior parts are stacked up ready for install after paint. I chose to have the unseen portions of the cab like floor, jams, running boards, lower cab etc. covered in bed liner. Still debating inside bed walls. Leaning toward synthetic decking for bed due to high rust in this salt air. If anyone has spare bench seat parts would like to hear from them. Goal of being in 2017 Brookings Memorial day parade with my 92 year old AF vet neighbor is still on

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Some progress pics:

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

More pics. Windows now in, bed is on. Coming home soon. I am broke.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Very nice...Awesome stance on that 4x4...love it. Color looks sweet!!

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

One more, Bed floor will have to wait for pension check replenishment. May need to find sponsors.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

when looking for synthetic decking material check out trex. it is sold plastic all the way through with a wood grain embossed in. it cuts fine,like wood, and you can easily router it as well. my deck is going on year 10 in Calgary's hot/cold/chinook weather and it is still going strong. wouldn't break the bank either for how much you need. comes in 20ft length, at least it used to.

nice looking unit. have fun and do it your way. like said earlier, don't look at it like an investment, if you do you won't drive it in case it gets scratched. all that money tied up and you don't drive it.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Thanks. I agree and decided on synthetic with SS rails long before i started. The bed you see is 20 years old and is made of marine grade plywood. I can push a finger thru the front where leaves and water collected. Thats after 2 decades in a dry climate. Only synthetic would survive here in OR on the beach. Heck even cedar doesn't last.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

you could also look into purpleheart wood, peltogyne, but it is pricey from what I hear. tough as nails though and guys use it for docks and the like so probably would be good decking.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Down to last $ so Lowes choicedeck in future is looking good. Went 30% over-budget due to "unforeseen site conditions" in engineer speak. Means rust and dents in "old truck speak". Fortunately the American dollar is only worth a dime nowadays. Waiting till tomorrow to bring it home as cab is not completely sealed up and still raining like Hades.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

yup, always how it goes. unforeseen site conditions. mine was so bad I had to bring my own site with me, haha. floor, front and rear cab mounts, firewall, door hinge lowers, rear lower door posts, cab steps, cowl inners, rear cab wall inner and outer, roof around the front upper windshield area. heck, might as well jacked up the gas cap and thrown a new cab under it, mighta been cheaper in the long run. but hey, couldn't have practiced all that welding technique....
it's a slow process but it will be awesome when it's done.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

looks awesome, and looks like you will make your may (almost june really) deadline

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Truck looks great! Keeping the same wheels and tires on it?

I love these trucks on some old steelies with some tall skinny tires!

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attac...54chev9-vi.jpg

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Thanks for the encouragement. My timings been off and shoulda done this right back in 96. Poor old truck has had more lives than Dr Who. Now that i can see again i wish i had done more myself.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

The $$ issue means same wheels and tires.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Joy turned to disappointment this morning when i went to shop and pick it up. Drove it for first time since new engine and found the power brake unit took a dump. Booster and master cylinder sat for 17 years and didn't trust em anyway. Rest of system in new or refurbed already. Oh well maybe tomorrow (and another couple 100 $$$).

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

well, not good news but better to find out now than to find out on the freeway or part way down the big hill.

Re: 50 years ago I was given this USAF 54 3100
 

Well the brakes are fixed but the brand new GM performance 350 crate engine started leaking oil from around the harmonic balancer. Not sure whats next.